FREQUENCY OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) COLONIZATION AMONGST HOSPITAL STAFF IN TEACHING HOSPITALS OF PESHAWAR
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Abstract
Objective: This study explicates the Nasal and Armpit colonization of Methicillin Resistant StaphylococcuS. aureus (MRSA)
among the staff working in teaching hospitals of Peshawar versus general community living in university of Peshawar.
Material & Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out from March 2015 to August 2015 in Microbiology
section, Pathology Department of Khyber Medical College (KMC), Peshawar. Initially, the samples were inoculated on
different culture medias. Blood and Chocolate Agar to look whether ?-hemolysis occurs. Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA)
used as selective media for S. aureus isolation and incubated for 24-48 hrs at 35°C. The presence of S. aureus was
confirmed on its growth on medias, colony morphology, gram staining and biochemical tests. It was further processed
on Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) putting antibiotics disc Cefoxitin to confirm MRSA observing zone of inhibition around
the disc according to CLSI guidelines.
Results: A total of 600 samples were collected, 300 samples (150 Nasal + 150 Armpit swabs) from hospital staff and
same number from general community. Among the collected sample 48.80% subjects with S. aureus isolates. The total
prevalence of MRSA carriage was 46.80% in District Peshawar. Among MRSA carriers 62.7% were detected positive in
healthcare workers (HCWs), while 37.22% were carrier in general population of district Peshawar. Prevalence of MRSA
among healthcare workers is almost double as compared to general population in district Peshawar.
Conclusion: In this study it is observed that healthcare professionals are more exposed to MRSA colonization as
compared to general population. Significantly high prevalence of MRSA among healthcare workers is almost double
as compared to general population in District Peshawar. Early diagnosis and strict surveillance are needed to prevent
its rapid spread.
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